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Prairie Band Potawatomi News

A Report to the People of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Spring 2010

Prairie Band introduces two new business enterprises

Two new enterprises have recently been tion services commercial general contracting business launched by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation that has been designed to focus on off-reservation projects and those set aside for minority contractors. (PBPN). Carl Matousek, who is the PBPN Director of The businesses are part of the newly formed Economic Development program that was approved Construction and Maintenance, is the project managby Tribal Council in 2009 and it has been gaining er for the new start-up business that also includes a momentum ever since. John Holtz, former administrator of the Potawatomi Health Center, is managing the start-up activities for both businesses and Tribal Council members Ryan Dyer, Jim Potter and Carrie O'Toole are on the Economic Development board. Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Services, Inc. is a healthcare staffing company that specializes in providing services to military, veteran's administration and tribal health centers. It recruits and places qualified healthcare employees to work in military, veteran's administration and tribal health centers. The new business is a joint venture between the Nation and The photo above was taken before a Prairie Band CRAssociates that formerly managed the Construction team meeting in Tribal Council chambers. On PBP Health Center. the front row, from left to right, is Carl Matousek, John The second enterprise is Prairie Holtz, and Rick Kendall. On the back row, left to right, is Band Construction, Inc.(PBC) a construc- Jim Potter, Tamela Burgess, Ryan Dyer and Carrie O'Toole. mentoring arrangement with Kendall Construction Company (KCC) of Topeka, Kan. KCC has completed a variety of construction projects through the years for the PBPN and KCC is a successful commercial general contractor. Tamela Burgess, who recently came on board, is the new office manager for PBC that is presently operating out of the Department of Construction and Maintenance office located in lower level of the Government Center. Burgess has years of construction office experience and is developing an information system and getting other organizational tasks completed to get the new business up and running. Holtz is based in an office in the lower level of the Government Center and is seeking out other opportunities for the Nation. Promotional materials are also in the works. A logo has been designed and members of the economic team have been manning a booth about the new PBP enterprises at various Native American The Potawatomi News has a new look! The News will soon be online at www.pbpindiantribe.com

Code of Ethics completed

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation code of ethics was approved by General Council at their January 16 meeting. The entire code is now posted on the Nation's website under a webpage titled Ethics Commission that is in the Government section. Members of the Ethics Commission are Shirley Trull, chairperson, Trilby Wahwassuck, vice chairperson, Virginia LeClere, secretary, and Frank Tecumseh, commissioner #1, Rencie Eteeyan, commissioner #2, and Ruth VegaHarjo, commissioner #3. Submissions or complaints should be in writing and addressed to the Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 218, Mayetta, KS 66509. Questions may be sent to the email at [email protected]

Tribal Council/Gaming Commission Election July 24

Three Tribal Council positions are expiring and one Gaming Commission position will become available when the Gaming Commission/Tribal Council Election period begins on April 12. A Tribal Council chairperson, secretary, and council person #1 and Gaming Commission seat #3 will be elected on Saturday, July 24. Election notices will be mailed to tribal members on April 12 and the filing date for the declaration of candidacy will be from April 14 to April 30. Deadline to withdraw from candidacy is May 11. Members who are 18 years and older can register until May 25 and ballots will be mailed on June 10 and the election is scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at the Bingo Hall at 9 a.m. A three-day protest period if election results are challenged will end July 28 and run-off election will be held for those not winning by majority vote four weeks after the election.

Important Dates

April 2 Good Friday/ Easter Government offices closed April 12 Gaming Commission/Tribal Council Election notices mailed April 10 Firekeeper Art Market April 17 General Council Meeting April 18 Earth Day May 31 Memorial Day Government offices closed Health Center offices closed June 11-12 PBPN Pow-wow

On January 4-6 I travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director of Indian Health Service (IHS), concerning the Tribal Consultation Process with tribes and Indian Nations. At the meeting were 21 other tribal chairs, principal chiefs and governors representing the 12 IHS regions. The meeting focused on five factors (a) critical event, (b) announcement of consultation: dear tribal leader letter, federal register announcement, (c) gather input, (d) decision, and (e) reporting. Dr. Roubideaux said that much was accomplished during the meeting and that she was forming a Tribal Consultation Process Committee (TCPC) from the 22 attendees who represented the regions. The TCPC will meet quarterly to offer advice and recommendations to Dr. Roubideaux on policies concerning Indian health for American Indians and Alaskan Natives. More information is available on the Indian Health Service web site concerning Dr. Roubideaux's initiatives for Indian Country. On January 7 I attended the Oklahoma City Inter-Tribal Health Board (OCITHB) meeting which is made up of tribes in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The OCITHB meets with Indian Health Service Oklahoma Area Director Capt. Kevin Meeks and his staff to discuss health services and funding. At the board meeting I was elected vice chairman for a twoyear term. I am looking forward to working with other tribal health officials on how they manage their health operations. From February 2-5 I travelled to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Winter Legislative meeting and to meet with National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman George Skibine concerning the Shab-eynay land's eligibility for gaming. Chairman Skibine informed me that he was aware of the Illinois Attorney General office's request for an opinion on the land's eligibility and said that he would not give an opinion until the Department of Interior had rendered an opinion that the Shab-ey-nay land was a reservation. He also said that should the Shab-ey-nay land be ruled a reservation, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) would have to submit legal briefs as to why the Supreme Court ruling in the City of Sherrill vs. Oneida Nation of New York did not apply to the Shabey-nay land. The meeting ended with Chairman Skibine assuring me, as the representative of the PBPN, that he would forward on to the Department of the Interior a request as to whether or not the Shab-eynay land is a reservation. The timeline for an answer to the request is unknown. The current documentation from the Department of the Interior states only that the Prairie Band Potawatomi are heirs to Chief Shab-eynay and his land and does not state that the land continues as a reservation in trust status. In other activities: · During the NIGA Winter Legislative meeting I took time to visit with Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) to discuss the apology he has crafted by the United States government over the treatment of American Indians. The apology is supported by the National Indian Gaming Association leadership and the PBPN as a member of NIGA. Presently, the apology has passed the houses of Congress and been signed by President Obama. Indian Country would like to see a special meeting held by the President of the United States in the future to publicly recognize the apology. · Also during the NIGA meeting, I met with Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) to discuss the White House Healthcare plan and the Indian Health Healthcare Improvement Act. The Indian Healthcare Improvement bill was attached to the National Healthcare plan and, at this point, passage of the national plan does not look promising. Our discussion centered on reintroducing the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act as a separate bill for passage by both houses of Congress. · The PBPN FireKeepers Golf Course is on track for completion in late July 2010. Golf cottages are going to be added to encourage weekend stays at the golf course. Construction of the clubhouse has begun. · Tribal Council presented to General Council at the January 2010 meeting a proposal for a nation-wide home improvement program and $1.3 million was approved for this program. Details on applications for these programs will be forthcoming in the future. There will be funding for those in under-income and over-income brackets and Tribal Council is addressing the legal issues of taxation on the funds now. More information will be detailed on this program soon. · The Kansas expanded gaming effort still continues to take unexpected turns. The Dodge City casino has opened. In addition, a new player in the casino arena has surfaced in Kansas and it is the Wyandotte Tribe in Oklahoma. They plan to open a class 2 casino in Park City outside of Wichita, Kan. The Wyandotte tribe made application to the Interior Department to open the class 2 casino in the mid-1990s and the word is the Department of Interior will rule on the land's eligibility for gaming late this summer. · Tribal Council approved sending members of the Boys &amp; Girls Club Board of Directors Chago Hale, Warren Wahweotten Jr., Liana Onnen, and Director Nathan Hale to a Boys &amp; Girls Club training in Albuquerque, NM. the second week of March. · Lastly, Tribal Council will be holding its annual town hall meeting in Wisconsin on June 26, 2010. Time and place will be announced in a few weeks. Steve Ortiz (Mon-wah) Tribal Chairman

The Prairie Band Potawatomi (PBP) News is a quarterly publication of the Prairie Band Potawatomi (PBP) Nation. Editorials and articles appearing in the PBP News are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or attitude of the PBP News staff, Tribal Council, Gaming Commission or the Nation. The PBP News encourages Letters to the Editor but all letters upon submission must include the signature, address and telephone number of the author. Letters are subject to editing for grammar, length, malicious and libelous content. Please submit items by email or by other electronic means if possible. The PBP News reserves the right to reject any materials or letters submitted for publication and items submitted past the deadline. Photos submitted with news articles will be returned after publication with a SASE or can be scanned if brought to the News office.

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Government

Page 3

From the desk of Joyce Guerrero, Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman

We've had an active first quarter of this year with meetings, training and consultations on the local, state and federal level. Working on daily functions of the office and tending to requests via phone calls or office visits also requires attention. The PBP Tribal Council is monitoring the 2010 Kansas Legislature activities, particularly in the area of gaming. We are making visits to the state capitol, attending committee hearings, general sessions and meeting with lobbyists who keep us updated. After receiving an invitation from the Chief Counsel for the Governor, Chairman Ortiz and I met briefly with them to introduce ourselves and exchange general information. We also extended an invitation to members of the Joint Committee on Tribal State Affairs to join Tribal Council for lunch at the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort March 5 and we had an enjoyable meet-and-greet luncheon with several state representatives and Tribal Council. The casino management and food and beverage team served up an excellent menu that was enjoyed by all. In February I attended the 10th Annual Native Nations Law Symposium held at the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort where I listened to experts on topics valuable to tribal governments. A state tribal consultation meeting was held on February 17 at the PBP health facility between the four Kansas tribes who sent health representatives and leaders, other regional health directors, the new Health and Human Services (HHS) regional director, Indian Health Service (IHS) staff, and the regional administrator and staff from the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS). The purpose of the meeting was to discuss health care concerns in our service areas and to voice needs for technical assistance and training. Prior to that meeting, a cancer data presentation was held. In other news, we met with the Horton, Kan. branch BIA Superintendent and staff to discuss tribal budgets and future needs for roads, housing and other concerns. In addition, Dan Deerinwater, Southern Plains BIA Regional Director and his staff met with representatives of the four tribes at the Government Center during the first week in March concerning American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. The PBPN also had another ARRA training on March 9 that was given for departments receiving ARRA funds by Berberich Trahan who are the tribe's primary auditing firm. The Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort also held their annual awards banquet that honored their outstanding employees and tribal interns for 2009. The Tribal Council and the PBP Entertainment Board cohosted the event and presented the awards that were given to employees. Pendleton blankets were given to the 2009 casino tribal interns. It was enjoyable to see such enthusiasm and support among the casino team. Hope everyone is well and looking forward to spring. I know I am! Please call if you have a question or concern or just want to visit at 785.966.4019.

Joyce Guerrero

Message to the Nation from Jim Potter, Tribal Council Secretary

It has been some time since I have addressed our Nation's members in the tribal newspaper because most of the time the Tribal Secretary's office responsibilities are behind the scenes activities, and, although very important and vital to our Nation's operations, aren't always as newsworthy as many of the articles placed in print. This time, however, there is important information that I'd like to share. For the last three and a half years I have been putting forth a concerted effort to make the Tribal Secretary's office paperless. To further explain, it takes a lot of effort to file and maintain records in the Tribal Secretary's office and using computers for storage saves both labor and space particularly when paper copies are packed up and stored away. Even though hard copy documents are still necessary for archival purposes for the Nation's government, storage space is at a premium in the Government Center and we do want documents at our finger tips which computers allow. By having records electronically filed it makes documents much easier to locate, doesn't require large spaces that are filled with filing cabinets, and is much less labor intensive in retrieving, filing and maintaining. This means cost savings to the Nation in the way of efficiency concerning records storage, time and labor. Since August of 2006, the Tribal Council Secretary's office has processed 951 Tribal Council Resolutions, 221 sets of Tribal Council meeting minutes and 14 sets of General Council meeting minutes. These groups of documents are just a sampling of the vast array of documents that are processed and maintained by the Secretary's office. Records from prior years, which were filed and maintained both in hard copy and electronic form, have been organized in a file structure that is still in use today. Examples of other documents that are kept in the Secretary's office are contractual documents, Tribal Codes and Ordinances, Committee Member listings and minutes of those meetings, Corporate Board of Directors meeting minutes and much more. How are these documents kept safe and secure since they are so important? I assure you that the utmost care and safety of these documents are in place. Hard copy documents are kept in fire-proof locked file cabinets in my office or have been archived in secure file storage facilities and rooms. The Nation has also implemented three separate computer systems and data storage devices where records are stored electronically and maintained on a daily basis. Network security software and systems are kept up to date and tested routinely. Rest assured the safety and integrity of our Nation's records is secure and well protected. With that in mind, for the last several months my office has been working with the website design group, Rhythm Interactive, who are the webhosts for the Nation (www.pbpindiantribe.com) to produce an online link that will be available to only adult tribal members. With just a few mouse clicks and key board strokes adult members will be able to go online for member-specific documents like the General Council minutes, for example. Documents placed in the new data base will include documents that only our members have previously been able to request through the secretary's office via email or by mail. The hope of creating this new form of online access is to communicate better and quicker to our members and to curtail the labor and cost of reproducing paper records that you have a right to access. In order to assure the security and confidentiality of our information an online registration process is being developed which is similar to the way individuals can access personal bank accounts for online banking. Additional security is also being developed where records can not be altered when printed. Although the member-only access of the website isn't available yet, I anticipate this portion of the site to be up and running in the near future. For those that have internet access please keep checking the website for when this feature will be available. For those that don't have internet access, the conventional methods for acquiring our records will still be available such as receiving hard copies of the documents by mail. I thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read this article and hope you find this to be useful. I pray the creator is looking out for you in all aspects of your lives and that each of you are in good health in every way. For additional information concerning this matter please feel free to contact me at 785.966.4022 or 785.845.0897. Pama mine' (until later), Jim Potter

Steve Ortiz, Tribal Council Chairman, attended the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) 2010 Winter Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. during the first week in February. Other members of the Tribal Council were on tap to travel to Washington, D.C. later on that week but got snowed out and didn't make it. The Council was scheduled to meet with George Skibine, Interim Director of the Office of Indian Gaming, but due to the weather they moved the meeting up a day and only Oritz was there. Ortiz told the News that Skibine said that no determination had been made regarding Shabeh-nay (see chairman's message on page 2). Also, while in Washington, Ortiz attended regulatory and administrative briefings with other tribal leaders and members of the Department of Interior and the White House. He also met with representatives from the offices of Congressional legislators U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) and U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan). NIGA includes 184 member tribes and 103 associate members. It was founded in 1985 and operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource center regarding Indian gaming issues and tribal community development. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and Ernie Stevens, Jr. is chairman. NIGA's next major event will be the 20th Annual Trade Show and membership meeting to be held at the San Diego Convention Center April 6-9. Several Tribal Council members and leaders from the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort are planning to attend.

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan) and Steve Ortiz at the NIGA meeting on Feb. 3. Brownback has drafted a national apology to Native Americans and he and Chairman Ortiz are holding up a copy of the declaration.

In the photo above, Chairman Ortiz, right, hamming it up with Ernie Stevens, Jr. who is NIGA's chairman. Stevens has been active with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and came to the reservation last year to attend the American Indian Hall of Fame banquet in May where four nominees were inducted including Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation tribal members Jerry Tuckwin and Tony Coffman (posthumously).

Tribal Council attends hearing opposing change in gaming law at state capitol

Three members of Tribal Council were present on one the Prairie Band owns, and the newly-proposed Feb. 9 at the Kansas Capitol to hear Ron Hein, a legisla- Hollywood Casino &amp; Resort in Wyandotte County which tive counselor for the PBPN, testify against a new bill recently received approval by the Kansas Lottery recently placed before the Kansas legislature that is Commission, are against the new bill because they say it designed to change the expanded gaming law passed in will create greater competition and because it also changes 2007. the rules outlined in the original law. Senate Bill 401 includes provisions for a percentHein said during his testimony, &quot;The new bill will age reduction in profits that the promote non-destination slot parlors, which state will receive if racetrack will make it more difficult for the destinaowners install electronic gamtion gambling facilities to attract tourists to ing devices in their enterprises. Kansas. The gambling casinos will be Presently, existing race tracks forced to spend money competing with the are closed and slot machines local slots parlors, rather than by promoting were never installed because tourism. And if there is no tourism, then track owners felt the state's the gambling is simply sucking money out share of the profits were too of the Kansas economy, and is stealing high. In addition, the new bill from one tax-paying business to put it in calls for a do-over vote for citthe hands of the gambling interests. The izens in Sedgwick County who gambling interest may pay taxes, too, but voted down a state-owned From left to right, Joyce Guerrero, there will be no new net income to the gaming enterprise in 2007. Ron Hein, Steve Ortiz, and Ryan state.&quot; According to an arti- Dyer after the hearing at the State He further stressed that the passage of cle that was in the Lawrence house on Feb. 9 in Topeka, Kan. the act would threaten the progress already Journal World (February 3, made in northeast Kansas, and that it would 2010), bills have been introbe a backward step not only in the progress duced in the House and Senate that will revitalize the horse of Native Americans, but in the relationship between the and dog tracks and expand gambling. The proposals would state and the tribal communities. reduce the state's share of slots revenues from 27 percent Hein and his wife Julie, who own Hein Law Firm to 22 percent and would increase the tracks' profit margins Chartered in Topeka, have been representing the Prairie and also share the money with breeders (horse and dog) Band Potawatomi Nation for several years in political and and associations statewide. legislative matters concerning Kansas. Representatives for destination casinos, like the

Kansas casino briefs

Northwest zone Boothill Casino &amp; Resort in Dodge City opened on Dec. 15 and by Jan. 31, 2010 had registered almost 200,000 gamblers. During that time the casino took in $5.1 million with the State taking $1.1 million. Northeast zone The Hollywood Casino &amp; Resort in Wyandotte County was given final approval by the Kansas Lottery Commission for developers to build a gaming enterprise near the Kansas Speedway. The destination casino will be a joint venture between Penn National Gaming and the Kansas Speedway Development Corporation and include a 100,000 foot gaming floor with 230 slots and 86 game tables. Hotel and restaurants planned. Southeast zone No developers have applied for a casino resort in the southeast corner of Kansas since nearby casinos in Oklahoma have opened creating competition in that gaming zone. Southwest zone The Kansas Lottery is in renegotiations with a Wichita area casino developer Chisolm Creek who want to build a $225 million hotel and casino complex in Sumner County near Mulvane. In the meantime, the Wyandotte Nation is trying to get 10 acres it purchased several years ago near Park City approved in trust in order to put a casino there.

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort News

Page 5

Three PBPN earn employee of the year awards at casino

Now hiring for summer internships! The focus of this internship is to gain an understanding of the casino business through practical experience. Interns will have exposure to a variety of casino departments with the opportunity to work side by side with casino staff. Junior and senior collegiate level students with business, marketing, accounting, finance and management majors preferred. Candidates will need proven communication skills with the ability to interact professionally within all levels of the organization. Come and spend the summer learning the casino business with the company voted &quot;Best Place to Work&quot; by the Topeka Capital Journal. To apply visit our website at www.pbpgaming.com/employment

2009 Interns

Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort held its 12th Annual Awards Banquet on February 25th at the Capital Plaza in Topeka, Kan. There were three divisions for employee of the year. For the services division it was George Nocktonick (PBPN) who is a bartender. For the gaming division it was Trent Parnell who is a cage cashier. For the support division it was Ernest Jones (PBPN) who is a warehouse clerk. The winner of the &quot;Supervisor of the Year&quot; was Amber Tecumseh (PBPN) who is an accounting supervisor. The &quot;Manager of the Year&quot; was Damien Puckkee who is an executive steward. The overall &quot;Employee of the Year&quot; was Ernest Jones.

(Photo by Harrington LLC)

Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort has a new look! Check it out at www.pbpgaming.com

Photo by Harrington LLC

Front row, left to right, Sarah Catron, Janice Malone, Lara O'Toole and Racheal Deo. Back row, left to right, William Mitchell, John Mitchell and Alex Tuckwin. Not pictured are Nick Wilder and Josette Wahwasuck.

Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort has developed a video called Prairie Band Potawatomi: Past, Present, Future that can now be seen on TVs in the casino hotel and soon on www.pbpgaming.com. Several tribal members are in the video that offers information about the reservation.

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Health Center News

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Health Center hosts Kansas State/Tribal Consultation meeting

Over 40 representatives from Native American tribes and health leaders from the state of Kansas and Oklahoma came together for the Kansas State/Tribal Consultation meeting on February 17 at the Prairie Band Potawatomi (PBP) Health Center. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange information and to discuss Indian health issues and to learn about technical assistance and training needs. The meeting opened with remarks from PBPN Tribal Chairman Steve Ortiz, Nancy Rios, Native American Contact for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Judy Baker, the Regional Director of Health and Human Services (HHS). Russell Bradley, Vice Chairman for the Kickapoo Nation, gave the invocation which was followed by individual introductions of everyone in the room. Next, Barb Langer, Ph.D., Acting Medicaid Director for the Kansas Health Policy Authority (KHPA), gave an overview of the state agency. Following her presentation, representatives from the tribes and each of the health facilities gave an overview of their operations and discussed their concerns. Chairman Ortiz spoke on behalf of the PBPN along with Jerry Briscoe, administrator for the PBP Health Center. Ortiz said that the PBP Health Center presently serves around 1,000 residents on the Prairie Band reservation and 336 other Native Americans who are in the service area. He said that he was proud of how the Prairie Band health system had grown through the years and that this could not have hapate and that it has medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services available. In regard to a technical need, Ortiz said that the health center would like to implement an electronic filing system in the future. Kickapoo leaders voiced concerns about the need for water on their reservation and increasing funds for their health center, while a representative from Haskell said that better communication was needed between the federal and state agencies and their group. Other Indian health representatives spoke about the limitation of reimbursements for certain services and the need for pharmacy services in their facilities. Besides those already mentioned, other representatives at the meeting were from the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Osage Nation, Hunter Health Center, White Cloud Health Station, Kanza Health Center, Oklahoma Area Indian Health Service, and the Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board. Earlier in the day, members from the PBPN and Kickapoo Tribal Councils and their health center directors listened to a presentation by Dr. DeeAnn DeRoin (Ioway) who is interested in developing a cancer prevention program for Native Americans. DeRoin is a community health consultant and has been active in the northeast Kansas medical community for many years.

Chairman Steve Ortiz discussing an item with Judy Baker who is the Regional Director of Health and Human Services at the meeting held Feb. 17 at the Health Center. pened without a supportive General Council. He stated the PBPN had approved $6 million to build a stateof-the-art health facility that is now debt free and that the tribe is also managing the facility on their own. He said that it takes about $4.5 million each year to oper-

Health Center reaches out

Ortiz elected vice president of Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board

Steve Ortiz, Tribal Council chairperson, was elected vice president of the Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board (OCAITHB) on January 12 during a meeting of the board in Oklahoma City. Ortiz has been on the board for several years and is presently serving as the service unit representative from Holton. There are 12 people on the board. OCAITHB is a non-profit organization that was established in 1972 with the purpose of providing a unified voice for 41 federally recognized tribes located in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The mission of the board is to advocate and collaborate for quality healthcare and healthy lifestyles within Native American communities and to strive for maintaining tribal sovereign rights and independence. The organization provides programs and resources about Native American health issues and also looks for innovative funding methods as a means of supporting quality healthcare and healthy lifestyles for American Indian people. For more information about OCAITHB visit www.ocaithb.org.

Farewell Dr. P

At left is Jerry Briscoe, Health Center administrator, seen visiting with Marilyn Brewer, Julia Lewis (center) and Bernadette Lewis (in hat) at the Firekeepers Elder Center. The Health Center has begun a series of afterluncheon meetings at the Center so they can learn more about the particular needs of the senior citizens.

Diabetes prevention news

A Munch &amp; Learn session was held March 10 at the Bingo Hall. Local Hyvee Grocery Store dietition Amber Groeling demonstrated ways to eat and cook healthy while on a budget. The program was sponsored by the PBPN Diabetes Program. A Walk Away from Diabetes walking club began on March 16 at Prairie Peoples Park. Walkers gather on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. for some exercise and group support. In addition, Step Aerobics is held M, W, at 4:45 p.m. at the Center.

For more information about diabetes prevention call the new Diabetes Program Manager Michelle Simon at 785.966.8271 or email: [email protected]

Dr. Richard Pruiksma, who has worked as a physician for the Health Center since 2000, has resigned and taken another position in Wichita, Kan. Since 2006 he has been recognized through the Physician Recognition Program for his work in diabetes prevention by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). He was instrumental in attaining the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) grant that the Health Center is still utilizing.

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Charitable Contributions

Page 7

Blue Earth Initiatives serving Native Americans in sobriety

What began as a grass-roots effort for Native two meeting rooms, a kitchen, and an office and an Americans in recovery in the Topeka area is now a outside space for actvities and a parking lot. Ryan Dyer, Tribal Council treasurer for the nonprofit organization with its own facility called Blue Earth Initiatives. The purpose of the organization is to reach out to Native Americans in an effort of providing individuals and families a sober, drugfree and productive lifestyle. Individuals gather twice a week for sobriety meetings, once a week for an AA meeting, and the facility is also open during the day for counseling and visitations. Terry CrossBear, a PBPN member, is the driving force behind Blue Earths Initiative and is its Life Skills Counselor and office manager. He told the News that he saw a need for a Native based support group in the Topeka, Kan. area where he lives and began discussing the idea with other Native Americans, like Tim Mendez (Iowa) and Evans Barr (Kiowa) who Three members of the Board of Directors are, from left are also in recovery and on Blue Earth's board. to right, Tim Mendez (Iowa), Eddie Clark (Kiowa) and What transpired was the Blue Earth Initiatives Terry CrossBear (PBPN). Not pictured are Brian Jones program that was incorporated in March 2009 (PBPN) and Evans Barr (Kiowa) who are also on the and formerly located on 29th street in Topeka. board. Recently the group got a big boost with the help of a $15,000 charitable contribution from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN). On PBPN, was one of those who stopped by during the February 16 an open house was held to show off a open house. He said that he and the rest of the Tribal new facility that the group recently leased that is locat- Council were happy to support the organization. ed at at 2519 N. Topeka Blvd. The building includes &quot;Addiction affects us all in one way or another either as the abuser or the family that suffers from it,&quot; he said. &quot;It's Blue Earth Initiatives nice to know that this program is provides these community services available and geared to Native Americans in particular because ·office facility support there is a need.&quot; ·cultural-sobriety group meetings Some members of the ·community outreach to those incarcerated or in Charitable Contributions treatment/recover centers Committee also stopped by the ·life-skills counseling open house. ·transportation to verifiable health/legal/employment CrossBear said that since appointments Blue Earth began they have served over 40 Native Visit www.blueearthrecovery.com Americans and from five to eight people usually attend the weekly meetings. He said that the group sets their own agenda during meeting times and that they sponsor sobriety dances and other events to raise funds and to have a good time. In his spare time, CrossBear performs in a rock band and both he and Tim Mendez like to spin tunes as disc jockeys for karaoke events. CrossBear said that in the future the organization would like to sponsor some activities and events in the Topeka community as most of their past events were held on the Potawatomi Reservation. &quot;One of our goals is to get more families involved in alcohol-free activities and events,&quot; he said. &quot;Parents and children need more activities they can do together and we'd like to do more cultural-specific activities where Native Americans can come together and feel comfortable.&quot;

Tribal Council Treasurer Ryan Dyer, right, stopped by the open house and is seen enjoying a refreshment with Terry CrossBear.

Did you know? The Prairie Band have donated almost $7 million to northeast Kansas organizations with Charitable Contributions monies

Above, from left to right, is Betty Rice, Mary Carr, Terry CrossBear and Wanda Treinen in front of the Blue Earth Initiatives facility. The three women have served on the Charitable Contribution Committee for over ten years. Other members of the Committee not present in the photo are Lavera Bell, John Tuckwin and Frank Tecumseh.

Page 8

Departments and Programs

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Judicial Center holds open house

Native American Law Symposium and Tribal Law Conference held

The 10th Annual Native American Law Symposium and 14th Annual Tribal Law &amp; Government Conference were held Feb. 11 and 12 at the University of Kansas (KU) School of Law and Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort respectively. Stacy L. Leeds, the District Judge for the PBPN, who is also the director of the Tribal Law and Government Center at KU, was the emcee both days. The event featured scholarly presentations and round-table discussions about different topics on Indian law. Around 40 participants attended each day and several members of PBPN Tribal Council and Judicial Council attended the law symposium on Friday.

Members of the Judicial Council and Tribal Council came together for an open house that was held December 8 at the new Judicial Center. In the photo above are, from left to right, Darrell Dowty (former judge), Kent Miller, Joseph Young, Francis Skenandore, Ed Collazo, Miyah Danielson, Jim Potter, Teri Barr, John Wabaunsee, Royetta Rodewald, Chago Hale and Stacy L. Leeds. Special thanks to Nathan Hale for submitting the photo to the News.

Above, left, is Robert Miller who was one of the presenters at the Tribal Law Conference. With him is Mark Dodd, PBPN attorney, who graduated from KU's School of Law and was active in the Tribal Law Center while in school.

For the new fee schedule and other court documents go to www.pbpindiantribe.com/judicial-council.aspx

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Judges

Mary Daniel (Cheyenne/Oneida), center, was sworn in as a Special District Judge on January 29 at the Judicial Center. She works for Husch Blackwell Sanders Law Firm in Kansas City and specializes in Indian and health law. She is flanked by Steve Ortiz, left, and Jim Potter, right, of the Tribal Council.

Stacy L. Leeds District Judge John Wabaunsee Chief Judge of Appeals Francis Skenandore Assoc. Judge of Appeals Joseph Young Assoc. Judge of Appeals Mary Daniel Special District Judge Teri Barr Special District Judge

Posing for a photo at the Native American Law Symposium are, from left to right, Stacy Leeds, PBPN District Judge, Steve Ortiz, PBPN Chairman, Royetta Rodewald, PBPN Judicial Administrator, and Joyce Guerrero, PBPN Vice Chairwoman.

Pemaknâgeeçâk Waähâwebâk

Healing to Wellness Court

Dedicated to helping people with substance abuse problems by combining the court with cutlural and traditional tribal programs

Above, left, is Raphael Wahwassuck, who is the Healing and Wellness Project Coordinator. He took registrations at the Law Symposium.

Teri Barr (PBPN) was sworn in to office on February 3 as the new Healing to Wellness Special District Judge. She previously worked in the PBPN attorney's office and lives in Lawrence.

Laverne Haag, fourth from left, is the newest member of the Healing to Wellness Court and was sworn into office on March 3. With her, from left to right, is Stacy Leeds, Royetta Rodewald, Benny Potts, Juanita Jessepe, Mike Boswell and Raphael Wahwassuck. Potts, Jessepe and Boswell are members of the Healing to Wellness Court and the other three work with the Court in the Judicial Center.

Submitted by Audrey Oliverius, Director of Finance This month the per capita distribution system was changed. All tribal members who had previously received their per capita in the form of a check were issued a Visa Debit Card. Once activated by the member this card can be used like a regular debit card anywhere Visa is accepted. Members should be aware that all future per capita distributions will be electronically deposited onto their card each quarter, so it is very important that they keep this card and your selected PIN number in a safe place. If your card is lost or stolen please contact the Visa card provider immediately. By utilizing the Visa debit card we will be able to eliminate lost or stolen checks and members will have their per capita immediately available without having to wait for a check in the mail. If you do not wish to be issued a Visa debit card you can have your per capita direct deposited into your personal checking or savings account by filling out a direct deposit form. To do so please contact the Member Services office at 785-966-3910 or toll free at 877-715-6789. More educational materials will be provided in the future. Please contact the Member Services office if you have any questions. INFORMATION ABOUT THE CARD The Visa Payment Card... The Visa Payment Card is a revolutionary turnkey vehicle for companies to reduce the cost and time associated with administering, distributing and dealing with check issues. At the same time, it provides a significant benefit to members. For all members, but especially those who are unbanked, the payment card is a convenient and cost effective solution for members to receive their per capita electronically. Benefits To The Business · Eliminates Checks and Cash · Eliminates Check Reconcilement Problems · Eliminates Postage or Shipping to Remote Locations · Allows The Tribe To Go All Electronic Combining Existing Direct Deposit and the Payment Card · Eliminates Members Going To The Bank To Deposit Checks · Utilizes Existing Direct Deposit Procedures With Tribal Bank · New Cards Ordered On The Internet If Desired · Custom Branded Cards are Available Benefits To The Members · Prestige Of Visa Card · Immediate Availability of Funds

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Eliminates Hassles and Fees When Cashing Checks Cash From ATMs And Cash Back At Grocers, Drug Stores, Etc. Visa Purchasing Power at 20 Million Merchants Cost Effective Way to Get Money to Relatives Domestic or Foreign Cash Back At Interlink Merchants Pay Bills Using The Card -Get Phone, Cable, Cell Service Using This Card On Line and 800 Access to Balance and Transactions On Line or Paper Statements QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

If the purchase is for more than my balance in the card, can I pay the difference? Yes, you can pay the difference between the purchase price and the remaining value of the Payment Card if the merchant will allow this type of transaction. Can I use my card to get cash from ATMs? Yes. By using your PIN number, you can get cash from ATM's anywhere you see a VISA (or CIRRUS for some cards) symbol displayed on the ATM. Typically there will be a charge by the ATM owner for using this ATM. A list of &quot;no surcharge&quot; ATMs is available. Can I get cash back with purchases? Yes, but only if the merchant is an INTERLINK merchant and only if the merchant allows this type of transaction. Do I need a PIN number to use my card? No. You can use your card anywhere and sign the receipt just like a Visa credit card transaction. However, you will need your PIN for ATM transactions and you can use your PIN with INTERLINK merchants for purchase transactions. Can I use my Payment Card at &quot;pay at the pump&quot; gasoline stations? Yes, but this may result in &quot;transaction declined&quot;. The card terminal in the &quot;pay at the pump&quot; stations automatically checks with the Bank to see if your Payment Card has enough money left to pay for an &quot;average purchase of gas&quot; which varies among merchants. If your Payment Card does not have enough money to pay for an average amount, your attempt to pay at the pump will be declined. The average gas purchase amount changes just as retail gas prices change. If this occurs, you can go inside and ask the cashier to authorize an amount that is within the remaining balance of your card. Are there any other merchants where a transaction may be declined? Merchants whose customers normally &quot;tip&quot; will often obtain an authorization for the amount of the bill plus a percentage for tip prior to bringing the receipt to you for your signature. For authorization, ask the waiter to authorize an amount that is within the remaining balance of your card. Can I load additional funds to the card? Funds can only be loaded through your Tribe through direct deposit of per capita into the card account. (Reprinted from Potawatomi News Winter Issue 2009)

Who has access to my card information? The card and funds are in your name and the information is held in confidence for your access, through use of your PIN or password. Your Tribe only remits money to your card. Your Tribe has no responsibility for the card, or for your use of the card. How do I get funds placed on the card? Once you activate your card, your Tribe will load your Per capita funds to your card account instead of issuing you a check. What do I do if the card is declined? This means that the amount authorized by the merchant is more than the remaining card balance plus any associated fee. Can I use my Payment Card for automatic recurring payments? Yes, but recurring payments can be a problem and result in service being discontinued if a payment is declined due to insufficient funds on the card. Is the Payment Card a credit card? No, the Payment Card is a pre-funded card. However, when used for purchases at a merchant it requires your signature. Merchants with the INTERLINK symbol will allow you to purchase using your 4-digit PIN number like a debit card. Also, you can use your Payment Card at ATMs with the VISA logo (or CIRRUS logos for some cards). How can I check the balance on my card? You can check your balance on-line.

New CDIB cards still being issued

The PBPN Member Services Department continues to issue new Certified Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) identification cards with photographs and Indian names (optional) on them. Members are urged to go to the Member Services Department in person to have their photograph taken for their new card that they will have processed for them right there. Members are asked to bring in their old card and to know the correct spelling of their Indian name if they want their Indian name included on the new card. Members who cannot make it to the Member Services offices can submit a quality passport photo in lieu of having one taken by Member Services and should also send in their signature in black ink on either a white sheet of paper or 3x5 index card. In addition, they should submit their Indian name if they want it included on the card. Send the information by mail to the department. They can also email their information to [email protected] The new cards are good for ten years and are free. However, a $10 fee will be charged if the card is lost or stolen and must be replaced. The Member Service Department is located in the southwest corner on the upper level of the Government Center at 16281 Q Road, Mayetta, Kan. 66509. For more information call (877)715-6789 and ask for the Member Services Department.

Page 10

Departments and Programs

Emergency shelters on the PBPN Reservation

Listen for warning sirens if outside and check weather radios

Potawatomi News spring issue,

Emergency weather tps i

watch for emergency vehicles in your neighborhood and check on your neighbors, if possible tune to your local television or radio station for information. Weather radios are also a good idea have your supply kit ready and battery-operated radio and flashlights if the power goes out always keep extra water on hand Know these different weather terms Watch...when conditions are favorable for severe weather Warning...when severe weather is occurring or imminent Take cover...you are in the path of severe weather so get to a place of safety as soon as possible

Three programs were recently approved by the Tribal Council to help tribal members with their housing needs which are briefly outlined below. For more information call Jackie Cummings, Director of Housing at 785.966.2756 or toll free at 1.866.966.2756. The Housing Department is located at 8273 156th Lane, Mayetta, KS 66509.

Down Payment Assistance Program

The Down Payment Assistance Program provides a one-time grant in the amount of $10,000 to eligible adult tribal member homebuyers for down payment assistance for the puchase of a single family home in standard or better condition to be used as the primary residence. ·Gross annual income must support a mortgage payment, taxes, insurance and maintenance. ·Applicants must contribute $1,000 of their own money towards the down payment. ·Applicants must attend an approved First Time Homebuyer's Course ·Any applicant who has a past due debt owed to the PBPN or the PBPN Housing Department is ineligible.

Renovation/Repair Assistance Program

Information is not yet available but check the Nation's website at www.pbpindiantribe for future details.

Rental Assistance Program

The Rental Assistance Program provides grant monies to any enrolled adult tribal member whose income qualifies to assist with a security rental deposit and monthly rent subsidy. Call the Housing Department for details at 1.866.966.2756.

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Departments and Programs

Things your burglar won't tell you

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Page 11

Tribal Police Update

Tribal police canine unit helps in arrest in Jackson County The Potawatomi Tribal Police was called in with their canine unit to assist the Jackson County Sheriff's Department in capturing James Williams, 42, on January 30 who was wanted in connection with a homicide case in Wichita. Williams was apprehended in southern Jackson County and the Topeka Police Department served him with a warrant for first-degree murder at that time. Jon Gouge earns certification Police Officer Jon Gouge recently graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. He received a certificate of course completion and a Kansas law enforcement certification from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training. Gouge began his work with the Tribal Police Department in 2009. Motor Vehicle Program relocated to Tribal Police Department The Motor Vehicle Program has moved into a front office at the Tribal Police Department, 16344 Q Road. Previously Motor Vehicle was located in the Lands Building on K-Road and was part of Public Works. Micki Martinez is the administrator for Motor Vehicle and can be reached at 785.966.3024 or [email protected]

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8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste...And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always makes me wonder what type of gaming system they have. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-under standable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valu ables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluc tant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it? I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Potawatomi Fire Department news

The Potawatomi Fire Department took part in the statewide severe weather tornado drill on March 11 that was sponsored by the State emergency management and National Weather Service. The purpose of the drill was to prepare individuals for what to do in a tornado or other bad weather. Locally, the department also issued storm safety publications on preparing for tornado, flood and lightning events online to all PBPN email users. A storm spotter training will be held on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rock/Community building that will be taught by a weather meteorologist. Fire Chief Mike Mills said that no registration is needed and that the public is invited to attend. If the crowd grows too large the training will be moved to the Bingo Hall. Call 785.966.2164 for details. Falicity Wishkeno, the daughter of Lance Wishkeno who works as a firefighter and EMT for the Fire Department, was featured on the front page of the Topeka Capital-Journal (March 8, 2010) for being an Explorer volunteer firefighter for Shawnee County Fire District No. 4 in the Topeka area. Falicity is 17 years old and was struck by lightning in 2008 and said in the article that she was moved by the quick response of EMT responders to her accident. Falicity plans to attend Haskell Indian Nations University when she graduates from high school this spring.. Lance Wishkeno has worked for the Potawatomi Fire Department for nine years. The Tribal Fire Department is planning to conduct some Wildland trainings for other PBPN staff in Lands and Road &amp; Bridge that will be taught by Melvin Lewis. Several prescribed burnings are also on tap for this spring.

Page 12

News and Opinions Legislators announce settlement of Cobell lawsuit on Indian trust management

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 8- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Attorney General Eric Holder announced a settlement of the long-running and highly contentious Cobell class-action lawsuit regarding the U.S. government's trust management and accounting of over three hundred thousand individual American Indian trust accounts. Also speaking at the press conference were Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes and Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli. &quot;This is an historic, positive development for Indian country and a major step on the road to reconciliation following years of acrimonious litigation between trust beneficiaries and the United States,&quot; Secretary Salazar said. &quot;Resolving this issue has been a top priority of President Obama, and this administration has worked in good faith to reach a settlement that is both honorable and responsible. This historic step will allow the Interior to move forward and to address the educational, law enforcement, and economic development challenges we face in Indian Country.&quot; &quot;Over the past thirteen years, the parties have tried to settle this case many, many times, each time unsuccessfully,&quot; said Attorney General Eric Holder. &quot;But today we turn the page. This settlement is fair to the plaintiffs, responsible for the United States, and provides a path forward for the future.&quot; Under the negotiated agreement, litigation will end regarding the Department of the Interior's performance of an historical accounting for trust accounts maintained by the United States on behalf of more than 300,000 individual Indians. A fund totaling $1.4 billion will be distributed to class members to compensate them for their historical accounting claims, and to resolve potential claims that prior U.S. officials mismanaged the administration of trust assets. In addition, in order to address the continued proliferation of thousands of new trust accounts caused by the &quot;fractionation&quot; of land interests through succeeding generations, the settlement establishes a $2 billion fund for the voluntary buy-back and consolidation of fractionated land interests. The land consolidation program will provide individual Indians with an opportunity to obtain cash payments for divided land interests and free up the land for the benefit of tribal communities. By reducing the number of individual trust accounts that the U.S must maintain, the program will greatly reduce on-going administrative expenses and future accounting-related disputes. In order to provide owners with an additional incentive to sell their fractionated interests, the settlement authorizes the

Interior Department to set aside up to 5 percent of the value of the interests into a college and vocational school scholarship fund for American Indian students. The settlement has been negotiated with the involvement of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. It will not become final until it is formally endorsed by the court. Also, Congress must enact legislation to authorize implementation of the settlement. Because it is a settlement of a litigation matter, the Judgment Fund maintained by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury will fund the settlement. &quot;While we have made significant progress in improving and strengthening the management of Indian trust assets, our work is not over,&quot; said Salazar, who also announced he is establishing a national commission to evaluate ongoing trust reform efforts and make recommendations for the future management of individual trust account assets in light of a congressional sunset provision for the Office of Special Trustee, which was established by Congress in 1994 to reform financial management of the trust system. The class action case, which involves several hundred thousand plaintiffs, was filed by Elouise Cobell in 1996 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and has included hundreds of motions, dozens of rulings and appeals, and several trials over the past 13 years. The settlement funds will be administered by the trust department of a bank approved by the district court and distributed to individual Indians by a claims administrator in accordance with court orders and the settlement agreement. The class action case, which involves several hundred thousand plaintiffs, was filed by Elouise Cobell in 1996 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and has included hundreds of motions, dozens of rulings and appeals, and several trials over the past 13 years. The settlement funds will be administered by the trust department of a bank approved by the district court and distributed to individual Indians by a claims administrator in accordance with court orders and the settlement agreement. Interior currently manages about 56 million acres of Indian trust land, administering more than 100,000 leases and about $3.5 billion in trust funds. For fiscal year 2009, funds from leases, use permits, land sales and income from financial assets, totaling about $298 million were collected for more than 384,000 open Individual Indian Money accounts and $566 million was collected for about 2,700 tribal

accounts for more than 250 tribes. Since 1996, the U.S. Government has collected over $10.4 billion from individual and tribal trust assets and disbursed more than $9.5 billion to individual account holders and tribal governments. The land consolidation fund addresses a legacy of the General Allotment Act of 1887 (the &quot;Dawes Act&quot;), which divided tribal lands into parcels between 40 and 160 acres in size, allotted them to individual Indians and sold off all remaining unallotted Indian lands. As the original holders died, their intestate heirs received an equal, undivided interest in the lands as tenants in common. In successive generations, smaller undivided interests descended to the next generation. Today, it is common to have hundreds-even thousands-of Indian owners for one parcel of land. Such highly fractionated ownership makes it extremely difficult to use the land productively or to provide beneficial use for any individual. Absent serious corrective action, an estimated 4 million acres of land will continue to be held in such small ownership interests that very few individual owners will ever derive any meaningful financial benefit from that ownership.

Introductory 101 Government Acronyms DOI-Department of Interior OIG-Office of the Inspector General OST-Office of Special Trustee GAO-Government Accountability Office IIM Accountholder-Individual Indian Monies accountholder

Did you know? There are 4,788 PBPN members with 2,396 members living in Kansas. Vote in the next tribal election July 24, 2010

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

News and Opinions

Page 13

Tom Wabnum speaks out on Cobell settlement case

First, I would like to thank Ms. Cobell for the strength and courage to fight the U.S. on our behalf for the past 13 years. This proposed settlement fixes nothing, the U.S. won by legal weaseling. This lawsuit may be settled but the mismanagement and corruption continues. The centuries old broken government trust is still broken. The IIM accounts are still not reconciled. Some IIM accountholders will get paid and some will not. OST has violated the Indian Preference policy and hire non-Indians in Indian positions. The Cobell and numerous investigations on DOI/BIA/OST by OIG, GAO and the courts that proved numerous times they are either unwilling or unable to fix their broken trust. They went unpunished and will continue to operate into the future as if nothing happened. As if Indian Affairs has not been 'commissioned' to death, this settlement adds another one. If all individual Indian lands are bought off and transferred over to tribal trust property, the same historical broken trust is there not to protect it or improve it. The same slumlord mentality, scalawag management and Judge Roy Bean justice prevails all because we are Native Americans. The U.S. did send a message to Indians in Cobell. They will extend Indian claims in courts indefinitely until the claimants die, exhaust funding and cave into perennial stonewalling. The historical damage done to Native people, their land and money, goes unchecked and without consequence. Not one employee faced criminal charges, was removed or fired for deliberately wasting billions in taxpayer's dollars in cover up schemes. The U.S. won't even apologize for inflicting termination and terrorism on the people they are legally bound to protect. At least, Canada and Australia apologized to the Natives of their countries. After the starting judge and court appointed investigators proved that DOI/BIA/OST wasted billions of dollars trying to fix the broken trust they too were removed from the case. The U.S. were found in contempt of court for lying to a federal judge, filing false reform reports, destroying records and for 13 years of federal failure. Honest American federal employees who reported such fraud, waste and abuse termed &quot;whistleblowers&quot; were also squeezed out of service and replaced with puppets. &quot;On June 20, 1867, Congress established the Indian Peace Commission to negotiate peace with Plains Indian tribes who were warring with the United States. The official report of the Commission to the President of the United States, dated January 7, 1868, describe detailed histories of the causes of the Indian Wars including: numerous social and legal injustices to Indians, repeated violations of numerous Treaties, acts of corruption by many of the local agents, and culpability of Congress itself for failing to fulfill certain legal obligations. The report asserts that the Indian Wars were completely preventable had the United States government and its representatives acted with legal and moral honesty in dealing with the Indians.&quot; In short, this 1867 Commission also &quot;recommended that the intercourse laws with Indian Tribes be thoroughly revised.&quot; This sounds like trust reform to me. Second, &quot;But it is insisted that the present Indian service is corrupt, and this change should be made to get rid of the dishonest. That there are many bad men connected with the service cannot be denied. The records are abundant to show that gents have pocketed the funds appropriated by the government and driven the Indians to starvation.&quot; And still today, the U.S. Courts, it's investigators, GAO and OIG all exposed corrupt employees in Indian Affairs. Third, &quot;That Congress pass an act fixing a day (not later than the 1st of February, 1869) when the offices of all superintendents, agents, and special agents shall be vacated. Such persons as have proved themselves competent and faithful may be re-appointed. Those who have proved unfit will find themselves removed without an opportunity to divert attention from their own unworthiness by provisions of party zeal.&quot; This 1867 Commission told the President how to get rid of corrupt employees and even today it has not been done. Why? Fourth, &quot;We, therefore, recommend that Indian affairs be committed to an independent bureau or department. Whether the head of the department should be made a member of the President's cabinet is a matter for the discretion of Congress and yourself, and may be as well settled without any suggestions from us.&quot; This 1867 Commission told the President that there should be a Department of Indian Affairs separate from the Department of Interior. Two other recommendations by this 1867 Commission talked about State encroachment on tribal sovereignty and shady traders.&quot; In 1973, Senator James Abourezk introduced Senate Joint Resolution No. 133 to establish a Federal commission to review all aspects of policy, law, and administration relating to affairs of the United States with American Indian tribes and people. The Senate and the House of Representatives both adopted S.J. Res. 133 and on January 2, 1975, the Resolution was signed into law by the President, thus establishing the American Indian Policy Review Commission [Public Law 93-580]. There are other Commissions in 1928, 1934 and 1992. But after 141 years and Commissions, this proposed settlement still does not protect our land, money, fleecing or our natural resources and culture but promotes tribal sovereignty erosion and U.S. failure to enforce treaty rights and their federal trust responsibilities according to their own U.S. Constitution and Congressional obligations. The U.S. can send a man to the moon and maybe Mars, travel to the bottom of the deepest ocean, fight wars on opposite side of the world, clone animals but cannot fix the broken trust problem with Indian services. If the U.S. initially worked with earnest and full trust with Native Nations using their own money plus the promised federal appropriations, there would not be a financial burden on either party, national dishonesty or worldwide disgrace of American ideals. It has been settled for me to forget all that happened within DOI and accept the $1,500.00 minus reserves/taxes (unknown amount) and attorney fee's (unknown amount) as if nothing happened. Thomas M. Wabnum Prairie Band Potawatomi Former Tribal Councilperson Viet Nam Veteran IIM Accountholder BIA/OST retired

Huron Band chairwoman dies

Laura Spurr, 64, who was the tribal chairwoman of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, died February 19 of a heart attack suffered on February 18 shortly after giving a presentation at a conference at the Pechanga Casino in California. &quot;The Tribal Council of the PBPN would like to express their condolences to Laura's family and members of the Huron Band,&quot; said Steve Ortiz, Tribal Council Chairperson. &quot;Laura's leadership and friendship particularly during the Potawatomi Gatherings will be missed.&quot; In addition, Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Council Secretary Jim Potter said that he had known Laura for many years and that he considered her a good friend. &quot;She was active in Native American affairs and the types of development that the Nottawaseppi Huron Band had accomplished in such a short time was truly amazing and due in big part to Laura's efforts,&quot; he said. Laura had served on the Tribal Council for approximately 11 years and had been an officer several times. She was also active in the tribe's education, health, EPA, and elder programs. Last year, she was honored as one of two &quot;Tribal Leaders of the Year&quot; by the Native American Finance Officers Association for her efforts in developing the FireKeepers Casino. The presentation that she had given on February 18, before she collapsed, was about the construction and design of the casino that is located near Battle Creek, Michigan. Survivors include her husband Stephen, two sons Nathaniel and Josiah, her mother Irene Wesley, and a sister Mary Wesley. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 27, 1:30 p.m. at the Athens Middle School, 515 East Williams Street in Athens, Mich.

Message from Carrie O'Toole, Tribal Council Member

Be counted as a PBPN in the Census 2010

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is proud to participate in the upcoming Census. Please mark your census form as Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation so we can be counted. It is important the head of household is marked Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation for that household to be counted as Potawatomi household. The Census forms which will be hand delivered to those living on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation starting April 1, 2010. The form should only take minutes to complete and is confidential. The information gathered by the Census will help our Nation in several different ways. ·The 2010 Census is our voice to let others know who we are, where we are and what the needs are of all our people. · Census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments for services that affect our local communities ie Health care, roads and transportation needs, housing needs, etc. · An accurate count can help tribal government plan for community services and economic development. · Census data determine the need for funding for new health care facilities schools and community assistance programs and determine public transportation options. · Census data help determine government representation, ensuring we are represented and appropriately and that our voices are heard. Remember we need to participate to be counted and the difference is &quot;It's in our hands.&quot;

Page 14

News and Members

LEFT: Carrie O'Toole, left, Joyce Guerrero, center, and Jim Potter, right, greet interns at the PBC&amp;R Employee Awards Banquet held Feb. 25. Alex Tuckwin is facing away from the camera. (Photo submitted by Frank Tecumseh) RIGHT: Representing the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation at the Holton Chamber Business Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 4 were, from left to right, Jim Potter, Tribal Council secretary, tribal member Mike Jenson and his wife, Julie, Patty Potter (PBPN), Jim's wife, and John Holtz, Director for the Prairie Band Health Services, Inc.

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Firekeeper Golf Course buildings nearing completion

The Firekeeper Golf Course is on schedule and taking shape to be a beautiful course for play. The 240-acre course sits north of the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort and will provide a picturesque landscape of gentle rolling hills and scenic vistas on Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation land. &quot;The 18-hole course is going to be challenging but fun,&quot; according to world class golfer Notah Begay III, whose firm NB3 Consulting is designing the course. To date, the course has been seeded and with weather permitting should be open by midsummer. This winter the clubhouse, cart barn, and comfort station are being constructed which is keeping several Native American and local-area laborers busy. The clubhouse and cart barn can be seen a little east of the main entrance to the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort on 150 Road in Mayetta, Kan. A maintenance facility has already been constructed and is located in the northeast corner of the course. The clubhouse will include a pro shop, a restaurant/snack bar, and two dressing rooms. Plans also are in the works for a screened-in porch that will extend all the way across the club's west side where golfers can observe play on Hole #1 or the putting green that is being developed nearby. Adjacent to the clubhouse is a cart barn that will house golf carts and other golf apparatus. A comfort station is also being constructed midway on the course that will provide restrooms and a shelter. Firekeeper Golf Course will be Begay's (a four-time PGA Tour winner) first signature course. Landscapes Unlimited, NB3's development partner, is constructing the course and Begay is also utilizing the work of Jeff Brauer who is a renowned golf course architect.

Photos of the golf buildings under development

The new clubhouse under construction by Landscapes Unlimited, Inc.

When this photo was taken Reservation Drywall was installing insulation in the pro shop inside the clubhouse.

The cart barn that sits southwest of the clubhouse is nearly complete.

Meet Jason Turner: actor and independent filmmaker

Tribal member Jason Turner, 32, is a determined young man who has written, produced, and starred in a film called &quot;Triptych.&quot; The movie is about Stan, a struggling actor who is ready to give up his dreams when a girlfriend convinces him to perform as the leading act in a vampire play. Another woman comes into the story to photograph the play and &quot;when their worlds collide and fate intervenes, no one will ever be the same.&quot; &quot;Triptych&quot; is really about Turner himself. He told the News that he has been making films since he was in high school where he learned the craft and that he also got some acting experience while attending college at Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri) where he played in Shakespeare's &quot;Twelfth Night.&quot; He said that screenwriting is a big passion of his and that he likes to co-write stories along with his brother, Trevor, 28, who is also a PBPN and received credit as a writer on the &quot;Triptych&quot; film. The movie was directed by Rossana Jeron of Darktrainfilms Blugirl Productions and shot on location in Kansas City including the Swope Park and the Rivermarket areas. Both Turner and Jeron are from the Kansas City area and are members of the Kansas City Independent Film Coalition that began in 1993 and has grown to almost 200 members. A major goal of the organization is to offer filmmakers a place to engage in cooperative ventures which &quot;Triptych&quot; exemplifies. &quot;Triptych&quot; was screened at the Kansas City Fringe Festival last year and also stars Shannon Walsh and Brynne Copping who are Kansas City actors. Kansas filmmaker Steve Balderson, formerly of Wamego, Kan., also acted in the film and was a big help to Turner in producing the film. In closing, Turner said that he is a big advocate of producing films in the Midwest and that there isn't any reason why filmmakers have to go to California or New York to produce movies these days. &quot;With a good digital camera and a creative script anything one could possibly need is right here in the Midwest,&quot; he said. &quot;Triptych&quot; is proof of that.&quot;

(Photo by Joe Hirakata)

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Departments and Programs

Page 15

All-employee meeting highlights

Ed Bloodsworth, a meteorologist for KTKA 49 News of Topeka, gave a presentation on weather preparedness January 29 and demonstrated the uses of the Stormtracker vehicle that KTKA 49 owns. He gave a demonstration of the vehicle after his presentation at the meeting in front of the Bingo Hall. Also in the photo is Brandi Davis a former employee in the Human Resources Department.

Jennifer Hale, from the Family Violence Prevention program, spoke about stalking to the employees at the meeting.

ABOVE: Ben Joslin, left, and Carl Matousek were both named the Employee of the Quarter on January 22 at the Bingo Hall. Ben is the Director of Informational Technology and Carl is the Director of Construction/Maintenance. Both men put in significant work to get the Judicial Center open and were recognized for their efforts.

Social Services Department news

Far left: Robin Guerrero (PBPN) is the receptionist for Social Services and has been working in the department since 2004. Far right: From left to right is Mary Sands, Ed Collozo, Georgia PlattSparta and Jill Dykes who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Mary Daniel at the Judicial Center on January 29. Sands and PlattSparta work in Social Services and Collazo is the PBPN's Tribal Prosecutor. Dykes works as an Ad Litum for the Nation. Below: Photo was taken at the Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly luncheon/meeting on January 27 at the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort. Survivor Support Group Gatherings sponsored by PBPN Family Violence Prevention (offering a safe environment and place to share) Second Tuesday of each month Noon-1 p.m. 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Prairie Band Health Center Social Services Department 11400 158 Rd Mayetta, KS 66509 For details call 785.966.8342

Check out Social Services listed under Health Center Info on www.pbpindiantribe.com

Parenting Group sponsored by Social Services Foster Care/ICWA Child Services First and third Wednesday of each month 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food and child care provided for families who confirm attendance prior to the end of the previous work day. Social Services Department 11400 158 Rd Mayetta, KS 66509 For details call 785.966.8324 The Community Health Representative (CHR) program held a blood drive in conjunction with the Community Blood Center in Topeka on January 14 at the Prairie Band Health Center. The CHR is located in the Social Services Department. For more information call 785.966.8360

By Kumos Hubbard The solid waste staff is in final preparations to begin a tribally-operated curbside recycling and disposal program. The program will be implemented in three initial phases: Phase 1, which has already begun, includes distributing costs to the appropriate departments within the Nation's workforce; Phase 2, that begins in April, will include recycling services to 250 reservation residences that are located in the cluster homes and PBPN housing units; Phase 3, that will begin in January 2011, will incorporate additional households that live in scattered homes within the reservation boundaries. In Phase 3 an additional disposal program will also be launched and more information will be coming about that program toward the end of the year. Andrew Pahmahmie is the lead solid waste assistant heading up the new service. In the next few weeks, Andrew and additional staff members will be visiting the cluster home residences to gather input for the new project. Once recycling and disposal items are received, the items will be transferred to a recycling or disposal site off the reservation, which will eliminate waste on our tribal lands. The solid waste staff members are looking forward to this challenging yet rewarding accomplishment of establishing a tribally-operated curbside and disposal program. A big thanks goes to the Indian Health Services, U.S. EPA for the grant funding to make this possible, and to the Tribal Council and the community for their support.

Keep an eye out for the new PBPN recycling trailer that is decorated with pictures taken on the reservation! Earth Day, April 18 (see schedule on page 24) Rez Roadside Clean Up, April 22 Read the Rez Recycler newsletter on www.pbpindiantribe.com/epa/aspx

Ben-no-ttah Wigwam Childcare Pow-wow

May 13, 10 a.m. to noon Prairie Peoples Park (rain out at the Boys &amp; Girls Club) Lunch/potluck-noon Last day for headstart classes (no regular classes that day) Parents and families urged to attend Please supervise your children closely Bleachers available but bring lawn chairs and blankets. For questions call 785.966.2707

Boys &amp; Girls Club news

By Cheryl Hopkins Fatal Vision presentation and dinner cooked by Gen-S On February 25th the Gen-S group and Boys &amp; Girls Club had Russell Whiteside from Tribal Police give a demonstration about the new Fatal Vision goggles that are used to teach kids about drinking. The night consisted of the Gen-S group cooking dinner and then listening to the presentation. Officer Whiteside showed the youth what the goggles looked like and told what it is like to shoot a basket by using the goggles. Some of the youth demonstrated the goggles. Whiteside planned to give another demonstration on March 16 at the club. Sand volleyball court fundraisers The Boys and Girls Club is raising funds for a new sand volleyball court. The first fundraiser was a volleyball tournament with 50/50 bingo and a vegetable soup luncheon that had a great turn out. Five teams of six players each and two teams with five players per team competed. The day began with a round robin and ended as a single elimination tournament. The club hopes to have a few more tournaments in the future. A big thank you to all the volunteers that helped with the concession stand, bingo, referees, score keepers and everyone else that helped make the day fun. The next fundraiser will be a raffle for a new WII game with a WII Fit game. If you would like to help sell or buy tickets for the Boys &amp; Girls Club call 966-3031. Spring break Daily activities were held at the Boys &amp; Girls Club during spring break held March 15-19. Activities included a basketball clinic, bowling, language demonstration, pool party and a penny carnival, among others. Created 4 Greatness Community/Family Night A family night was held on March 17 at the Bingo Hall with a taco dinner and Brian Frejo, a cultural activisit, DJ, actor and trainer, who gave a presentation. The evening ended with entertainment by Red Sky Entertainment and the Gen S Youth Council.

See UNLV Coach Steve Henson at the Boys &amp; Girls Club on April 17 For details go to www.kansashoopsclinicofchampions.com

On a bitter cold day when most of the PBPN were staying safe in their homes because a snow day at the rez had been called, the Lands crew were out clearing roads and shoveling snow. After they had finished, Supervisor Chris DeCoteau and his crew were heading to the annual Farm Show in Topeka when they noticed some bison congregating together at Fire Lake near N Road. Feeling the need to check it out, they saw where two buffalo had fallen through the ice on the pond and were in need of help. The men immediately left to go get some gear and came back to the scene. DeCoteau told the News that one of the buffalo was a 4-year-old bull that kept shoving the other small buffalo out of the way. What was interesting, he said, was the reaction of the rest of the herd to the intrusion of the men. He said that as he tried to pull on the bull in the water's horns with a rope to hoist it out, the other bison were disturbed and became somewhat threatening. The men were able to eventually get the larger bull out and thankfully without incident to the men. To get the smaller cow out it took more time. &quot;I finally got a rope and a half-hooey (cowboy talk) on the younger one and got the rope around her face,&quot; DeCoteau said. &quot;Half of her face was covered in ice by then and when we lifted her out of the water she was half frozen and unable to stand.&quot; The crew next dragged her by her feet to their trucks and used a wood plank to get her back to the Road &amp; Bridge shop. After arriving there they put the animal in a trailer inside the shop to warm her up. Next, Holton veterinarian Timothy Parks was called and he came out to give the cow some medications and warm water. The crew and Parks then left her alone until later in the day, and when they came back, the buffalo was standing and it looked like she was going to survive. The capture also allowed Parks to get some dietery and bloodwork samples done on the animal. Liana Onnen, PBPN's general manager said, &quot;These guys really went above and beyond to rescue the two buffalo on a day when most of us were warm in our homes. The temperatures were subzero that day and there was a lot of blowing/drifting snow.&quot; B.J. Darnall and Russell Shobney should also be recognized for their hard work in helping rescue the two buffalo -Chris DeCoteau DeCoteau, who has worked in ranching most of his life, and supervises the bison herd said, &quot;I'm extremely impressed with the buffalo. They are a protective and tight unit and the hardest part for the crew was that the larger bulls were trying to press their dominance by coming in to protect the younger bison when the two were in trouble. We're just glad we were able to save both of them and that the herd let us.&quot; The PBPN belongs to the InteTribal Bison Cooperative For more information go to www.itbcbison.com Above is Elliott &quot;Wah&quot; Masquat with the younger buffalo. This photo was taken after the buffalo had been taken to the shop and revived by veterinarian Tim Parks (Special thanks to Chris DeCoteau for submitting the photo) Three of the men involved in the buffalo rescue were, left to right, Chris DeCoteau, Elliott &quot;Wah&quot; Masquat and Duane Daugherty.

See what's for lunch or happening at the Firekeepers Elder Center by logging on to

www.pbpindiantribe.com/community-services.aspx

Firekeepers Elder Center news

Penny Pokeno (Tues., 1:30 p.m. and Line Dancing (Thurs., 1 p.m.) have been added to the weekly regular activities at the Center. Tax Day has been added to the roster to help elders make appointments for getting their taxes done and shopping is available on Fridays. Call 966-0041 for appointments. On Feb. 11 a Valentine Party was held for fun and on Feb. 23 an 8 Ball Pool Tournament was held. On Feb. 27 a group attended the Arab Shrine Circus in Topeka. The Royal Valley choir performed at the Elder Center on March 4. There have also been combined activities with the Kickapoo Tribe in Horton including outings to play Golden Eagle bingo and attending the Kickapoo Health Fair on March 16. For more information call 785.966.0041

We-Ta-Se travel to Arizona for Native American military parade

Need public transportation on the rez? Ride in comfort in new vans

Call 785.966.2995

Transit Department 15185 K Road Mayetta, KS 66509

Celeste Weber: Transit Coordinator

Members of the We-Ta-Se Color Guard attended the 65th anniversary of Iwo Jima in Sacaton, Ariz. on Feb. 20. There were 176 entries in the parade that was two miles long. From left to right are, Frank Shopteese, Ralph Lundin, Benny Potts, Tim Ramirez, Jim Potts and Emery Hale. (Special thanks to We-Ta-Se for submitting the photo)

Page 18

Youth

Potawatomi News spring issue,

Royal Valley Native American Dancers Battle of the Plains champions again!

Submitted by Anita Evans The Royal Valley Native American Dancers defended their championship for the fourth time at the Battle of the Plains competition in Bartlesville, Oklahoma on January 23. The group competed against six other Indian Education programs from Oklahoma and Alabama to win the title that is sponsored by Operation Eagle, through the Bartlesville Public Schools. Royal Valley Native American Dancers, that includes 79 members, is the only school-sponsored dance group in Kansas. The group is composed of members from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Sponsors for the group are Anita EvansTitle VII Indian Education Director for U.S.D. #337/ Royal Valley High School teacher and Connie PetersMath and Student Assistance teacher at Royal Valley Middle School. Lead singer for the group is Gubba Hale. During the competition, Royal Valley had 59 dancers competing with 23 dancers placing for points. Overall, there were 28 total categories of competition. Royal Valley filled 20 categories with dancers. Royal Valley had five Grand Champions-Mae Joslin-Age 5-7 Girls Fancy; Tamo Thomas-Ages 8-10 Girls Fancy; Jayden SernaBlakemore-Ages 8-10 Boys Traditional; Alicia Scholfield-Ages 11-13 Girls Fancy; Sylvana LevierAges 14-18 Girls Cloth. Second place winners included: Kishno BellGirls Fancy; Madison Boswell-Girls Jingle; Darius Thomas-Boys Grass; Brennah Wahweotten-Girls Fancy; Kwake Spoonhunter-Boys Fancy; Blake Garrison-Boys Grass; Andrea Alvarado-Girls Fancy; Kek Mitchell-Girls Jingle; Isiah Potts-Boys Traditional. Third place winners were; Hayley Harmon-Girls Jingle; Ruben TinajeroBoys Fancy; Kikto ThomasGirls Cloth; Isabella Wamego-Martinez-Girls Jingle; Zach WahweottenBoys Fancy; Komesh Spoonnhunter-Boys Grass; Sierra Pahmahmie-Girls Jingle; Kacie Boswell-Girls Fancy; Pam Knoxsah-Girls Jingle. Each style of dance requires its own special regalia and the Royal Valley Native American Singers/Dancers are fortunate to not only be supported by U.S.D. #337, but also by a Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation charitable contribution that was made this school year. The group could not make it without the support of parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who help keep this group functioning and a public thank you to them is warranted.

In the center is Sylvana Levier, 2009 PBPN Princess, with Joe Jessepe (left) and John Levier (right) who are members of her family. Sylvana took 1st in 14-18 girls cloth during the Battle of the Plains contest.

The Potawatomi Indian Fair and Rodeo in the 1920s and 1930s was a time where families would come together and have fun

The fair was held in the late summer before school began. We kids looked forward to the fair and had the time of our lives. People would camp in the woods and it meant something to us to have this big event on our reservation. My Potawatomi relatives would come from out of state and we'd have a house full of folks. -Roy Hale, 80 years old

Roy Hale was a young boy when the fair came to the reservation. He is 12 years old in this photo.

Above is a program cover from the 1930 Pottawatomi (stet) Indian Fair and Rodeo.

Above is a drawing of what the Pottawatomi (stet) Indian Fair and Rodeo looked like in the 1930s according to Roy Hale (PBPN), who is now 80 years old and a life-long resident of the Prairie Band reservation. Roy recently drew the picture from memory and brought it to the News along with some other fair memorabilia. The sketch shows some of the buildings that were on the fair ground that was located on the south side of where Little Soldier Creek presently runs across 158 Road between N and O Roads. Past literature on the fair described it as lasting for four days and running from 10 a.m. to midnight and having a &quot;well timbered camp ground&quot; as Roy has drawn in the sketch's upper right corner. For identification, Roy labeled some of the buildings and offered the following descriptions with the help of Francis Jensen (PBPN) who is now 84 years old and also attended the fair as a youth. Dance Hall (lower far right)- Open in the evenings and people would come to hear &quot;a scrap band&quot; of local Potawatomi musicians play. Some of the performers included Joe P. Hale (saxophone), Jack Cody Hale (drums), Joe &quot;Breezy&quot; Grinell (bowsaw/fiddle/washboard), Paul Williams (singer), Pete &quot;Nock&quot;(fiddle), Francis

Greenmore (singer/guitar), Tom Pahmahmie (singer/square dance caller), Luther Jacobs (piano), and Chris Emmett (fiddle). Several dance contests were held including the &quot;jigging&quot; round dance and square dance. Exhibit Hall (right)-Contained Native American arts, agriculture and handiwork that was open to the public for free. Exhibits were described as elaborate. Grand Stand and Track (center)-Horse races were held and in Roy's sketch horses can be seen inside the chutes on the track's field. Other rodeo contests were also held like bulldogging, steer riding and bronco riding. Locals like Jess Wapp and Jack Cody Hale competed in the contests for prize money. Additionally, Roy has drawn into the sketch a couple of free standing food vendor stands (upper left of the Dance Hall) and a horse-drawn buggy and 1930 Model-A car that can be seen near the fair entry road at 158 Road that runs across the bottom of the picture. He also drew in a wind mill complete with a water tank (left), and shows Little Soldier Creek that runs across the picture's left side and a parking lot of cars between the creek and the track.

Page 20

Community

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Member and family news

Welcome back to the homeland!

Your families are proud of you! Love, Mom and Families (photo submitted by Joanne Arndt) Ashley N. Hawke wants to thank the PBPN for all your support along the way. She received a BSN at Grand Valley (Michigan) State in 2008 Cpl. Mike Lockman (left) and Sgt. Randy Lockman (right) back from Iraq.

Congratulations Corey (Pack nah gah) Mzhickteno

First Lieutenant Corey Mzhickteno (Pack nah gah) received the aeronautical rating of pilot at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma in December. He is the son of Steve and Vickie Mzhickteno and grandson of Jo Ann and La Rue Mzhickteno.

Josetta Wahwassuck, ARNP, has joined Comprehensive Health as a Nurse Practitioner at their Overland Park/Lawrence locations and invites PBPN women to contact her.

Sarah Wieder, a senior at Marquette High School in Chesterfield, Missouri has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. Sarah is the daughter of Richard and Cathy Wieder and the granddaughter of Darrell and Mary Carr.

Call 1.800.230.7526 or visit www.comprehensivehealth.org Sam Mitchell won a logo contest for creating a symbol for the newly formed Prairie Band Construction Company.

Good news about your family? Deadline for Summer issue June 1

Venida Chenault, Ph.D., received national attention for her landmark study on Prairie Band Potawatomi women. Venida was featured in an article in Indian Country Today (Dec. 21, 2009) called &quot;Prairie Band Potawatomi women finding their voice in landmark study.&quot; The story was written by Lorraine Jessepe who was present when Chenault presented her findings to the PBPN on December 7 at the Bingo Hall. Chenault is also Interim President at Haskell Indian Nations University this spring.

Above, seated, is Marcus Oliveira (Menominee, Potawatomi) who has signed a contract with Don King Promotions. Marcus is a light heavy weight boxer and lives on the PBPN reservation and works at the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort. He and his wife, Amber (Wahweotten) just had a second child.

Sam also designed the Gathering logo

Sophie Bosse was the crown bearer for the Onaga (Kan.) High School Winter Royalty crowning ceremonies at a basketball game on Feb. 12. She is the daughter of Sharon and Dean Bosse and in kindergarten at Onaga Grade School.

Ruth Ann Ramirez

is now cutting hair at

The family of Sasheen Goslin, 18, wishes to thank the PBPN and Student Services for their support in promoting Sasheen's musical talents and educational endeavors. Sasheen has been nominated for a trip to Europe next summer as a Wisconsin Goodwill ambassador. She is the daughter of LaVonne Chenault-Goslin (PBP) and Rob Goslin (Chippewa) who reside in Bayfield Wisconsin.

The family of Marion Young Perrote is requesting you to send a Happy Birthday greeting card to Mary who will be 92 years old on May 29 Her address is: 815 Superior St. Antigo, WI 54409 Her family sends their love and blessings! Nellie (Young) Arndt families

We hope you have the best birthday. You are a great mother and wife. We appreciate everything you do and congratulate you on receiving your bachelor's degree in business management from Friends University. Love, Your Family

Mother Earth blessed us the eternal tradition of keeping her fire alight, no stones to fall upon it and quell this gift of light no rain to drown the flames of the magic found within the kindle. We are the Keepers of the Fire. Rain provides life to the soil and stones create homes to many. However, as Keepers of the Fire, the evidence and honor bestowed upon us, the fire will never fall into ash because each of us will give our lives to keep the flames dancing for all to witness and know that there is truly a Special Spirit in the heavens above. We are the Keepers of the Fire. -Gina Anthony(PBPN)

Mayetta- Curtis P. &quot;Nin-we&quot; Masquat, 62, of Mayetta, KS passed away March 14, 2010 at his home. He was born July 28, 1947 in Topeka, KS the son of Curtis and Elizabeth Whitefish Masquat. He attended Mayetta schools and graduated from Haskell. Curtis served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for Quaker Oats/ General Food in Topeka for many years. He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Drum Religion and We Ta Se American Legion Post #410. He married Julia K. Harrison in Mayetta, they later divorced. Survivors include a son, Elliott Wah Masquat of Mayetta; four daughters, Din, Jubby, Mitchi and Zahwee Masquat all of Mayetta; a sister, Nadine Sue Masquat and 17 beautiful grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rosemary Wahweotten and a brother, Donald Masquat. Drum services will be Wednesday evening, March 17, 2010 at the Danceground Building. Burial will be Thursday afternoon at the Wahgo Cemetery. Curtis will lie in state at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton until 2:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com. (Courtesy of Mercer Funeral Home-Holton, Kan.)

Please clean up winter debris around your family cemetery plots. Mowing season is near. Help keep the reservation beautiful.

We-Ta-Se will visit PBPN cemeteries on May 30

Franklin &quot;Butch&quot; Neal Harrison (Numqui)

Franklin &quot; Butch&quot; Neal Harrison (Numqui), 67, Mayetta, died Saturday, March 6, 2010, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, from complications of diabetes. He was born on Feb. 12, 1943, on the Potawatomi Reservation, west of Mayetta, the son of Charles and Minnie Nozhackum Harrison, Sr. Butch was a welder for the Potawatomi Road and Bridge Dept. He had also worked as a welder at Seattle, WA and Irving, TX. He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He married Geraldine Ruth Green in June 1961 at Mayetta. They later divorced. Survivors include four daughters, Jeannine Johnson, Nashville, IN, Priscilla Wooley, Fort Wayne, IN, Patricia Harrison and Jessica Jenkins, both of Lighthouse, TX; two sisters, Cornelia Donahue and Lavera Bell, both of Mayetta; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Drum Services will be Monday evening, March 8, 2010, at the Danceground building west of Mayetta. Burial will be Tuesday afternoon, March 9, at the old Danceground Cemetery. Online condolences are at mercerfuneralhomes.com (Courtesy of Mercer Funeral Home-Holton, Kan.)

A message from the Jackson family

In Memory Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on. Cherished memories never fade because a loved one is gone. Those we love can never be, more than a thought apart. For as long as there is memory, they'll live on in our heart.

Note of thanks

We want to thank everyone for the support and kind words given during the passing of our father LeRoy Mzhickteno.. We especially thank his many nieces and nephews for all the help during his last year. We also thank those who helped and participated in the drum and funeral services. Sincerely, Elaine Mzhickteno Barr Ona Fleming Justina Jackson

Yolanda Solis

-Author unknown

Potawatomi News spring issue, 2010

Community

Kamboçâk (those who died)

Page 23

John Anthony Navarro

John Anthony Navarro, 56, of Topeka, died January 13, 2010 at Stormont-Vail Regional Health Care Center. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on July 28, 1953 the son of John and Leocadia (Serrano) Navarro. John graduated from Highland Park High School. He worked for the Job Corps and most recently was employed by the Prairie Band Casino &amp; Resort. He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. John is survived by his mother Leocadia of Topeka and was preceded in death by his father John on December 13, 1988. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles; Louis Serrano, Vincente Serrano and wife Carmen, Philip Serrano and wife Amelia, Peter Serrano and wife Bridget, and Margaret Cortez and husband Paul, numerous cousins and a good friend and caregiver, Tracey Kares. John will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-8 p.m. where a Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. vigil service. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 18 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory in lieu of flowers to Holy Family School and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be sent to www.brennanmathenafh.com (Courtesy of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home-Topeka, Kan.)

Melvin J. &quot;Shorty&quot; LaClair

Melvin J. &quot;Shorty&quot; LaClair, 84, of New River, AZ, formerly of Mayetta, KS died Monday, February 22, 2010 at his residence in Arizona. He was born Sepember 29, 1925 in Mayetta, the son of William and Mary Elizabeth Lasley LaClair. He was a printer for Phoenix Indian School before his retirement. He was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Melvin married Rosabelle O. Perrault on August 27, 1951 in Mayetta. She preceded him in death on September 29, 2001. He was also preceded by a son, Mark LaClair, sister, Leoma LaClair and Winifred Killebrew, and a brother, Milton William D. LaClair. He is survived by a sister, Arlene Lingo, a brother, Milton LaClair, a daughter, Renee LaClair of Phoenix, a son, Jon LaClair of Phoenix, and a granddaughter, Tawny LaClair. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2010 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church east of Mayetta. A Rosary will be recited Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be at Shipshee Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. www.mercerfuneralhomes. (Courtesy of Mercer Funeral Home-Holton, Kan. and the family)

LeRoy &quot;Iwahish'k&quot; Mzhickteno Dorothy Mae Sheppard

LeRoy Mzhickteno &quot;Iwagish'k&quot;, 91, also known as Mickey, passed away December 13, 2009. He was born October 16, 1918 on the Potawatomi reservation the son of William and Ona Jane Seeley Mzhickteno. LeRoy was the oldest of five siblings. He was among the first generation of Potawatomi to be educated off the reservation. He grew up speaking Potawatomi. He was forced to speak English in the public schools. After graduating from Mayetta High School, he enlisted in the National Guard in 1936 and served in the infantry during World War II. He served in five campaigns and was wounded, receiving the Purple Heart. He married Madelyn Clark and they had two daughters, Ona Lee Fleming and Elaine Mzhickteno Barr. LeRoy worked at FMC in Lawrence for many years and retired from there. In the 1980s he married Helen Peck. LeRoy lived in Lawrence and Eudora in Kansas and in the state of Texas awhile. He returned to the reservation about 10 years ago. During this time he had a special companion, Marge Abney. LeRoy liked sports and played baseball, golf, and bowling. Survivors include his two daughters, a sister, Rosella Knight (Willis) of Stillwell, Okla., four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. One niece, Aurora Knoxsah, provided in-home care for him the last two and a half years of his life. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Virgil and Billy Mzhickteno, his sister, Leona Knoxsah, his mother and father, and Helen Peck. Drum funeral services were held for him at the Danceground building west of Mayetta, Kan. and burial was in the Danceground cemetery with We-Ta-Se honors for him. (Courtesy of his daughters Elaine Mzhickteno Barr and Ona Lee Fleming) Dorothy Mae Sheppard, 71, of Topeka, died January 23, 2010 at her home. She was born in Mayetta, Kansas on May 2, 1938 the daughter of Francis and Christine Marcella (Mahkuk) Wishteyah. She was a home health aide for Independent Living. Dorothy was a member of the Native American Church and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe. Survivors include three children: Norma Jean Shipshee of Mayetta, Nikki Sue Sheppard and Billie Jo Bridges both of Topeka, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a brother, Patrick Mahkuk. She was preceded in death by two children, Mary Elizabeth Dominguez and Greg Allen Sheppard, and her brothers and sisters, Francis Wishteyah, Jr., Norman Wishteyah, Mary Frances Puckkee, and Steve Wishteyah. Dorothy will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. Services will be held at BrennanMathena Funeral Home on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences to www.brennanmathena.com (Courtesy of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home-Topeka, Kan.)

PBPN obituaries are now online go to www.pbpindiantribe under news and press and click Gamboçek

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Attention All Tribal Members!

Sprint will offer a 15 % discount off your monthly rate plan but you must show your tribal ID at an authorized Sprint Store (not resellers) List of retail stores can be found at www.sprint.com